Great views from the bar deck of Auberge du Soliel in Rutherford photographed on Friday, October 3, 2008.

Great views from the bar deck of Auberge du Soliel in Rutherford photographed on Friday, October 3, 2008.

Photo: Eric Luse, The Chronicle

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Colin McCarthy carrying out a Basili Monata (Basil Puree, lime, citron and lavender) out to the bar deck of Auberge du Soliel in Rutherford photographed on Friday, October 3, 2008.

Colin McCarthy carrying out a Basili Monata (Basil Puree, lime, citron and lavender) out to the bar deck of Auberge du Soliel in Rutherford photographed on Friday, October 3, 2008.

Photo: Eric Luse, The Chronicle

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Auberge du Soleil

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This Mediterranean-inspired resort is an iconic Wine Country destination with a delicious little secret: a bar with a full menu by Chronicle three-star chef Robert Curry, served lunch through dinner. The interior, with tables spaced around a cedar trunk rising through the center of the circular room, is pleasant enough, but the feast for your eyes is on the wraparound deck - a spectacular perch above the Napa Valley.

The vibe: Close your eyes, click your heels together three times and say, "I'm in Provence." It's chic, yet low key as servers in black and white deftly maneuver around the weathered wood tables.

The crowd: Lee jeans say hello to Hermes - a multigenerational mix of locals and tourists. We heard conversations in three languages at the tables around us.

Best seat: Any table near the rail on the wraparound deck offers that fab view.

Signature drink: Yes, it's the Wine Country, and the list offers a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, but we found Colin McCarthy's cocktails more tempting, such as the mint-flecked Indian Summer with organic watermelon and rhubarb-infused vodka, watermelon juice, lime zest and a cayenne pepper-salt rim ($13). Sazerac Rye Whiskey is married to St. Germain elderflower liqueur in the Couture Soleil ($14), which also includes lemon, orange and lime juices. Bitter Aperol subs for rum in the Soleil Mojito ($14), and takes the typically too-sweet cocktail to a whole new level. Execution of common drinks is also top-notch, including a generous Bombay Sapphire martini, up with a twist, that's as dry as a California summer.

Also on tap: A selection of nonalcoholic cocktails ($8) includes the Ipanema with ginger ale and fresh lime and the Strawberry Sun with apple and orange juices, strawberry puree and creme de coconut. There are several beers on tap and by the bottle, aperitifs and digestifs.

Killer apps: We took a cue from the tables around us and ordered the hamburger ($18), a nicely charred, deliciously thick patty on a house-made roll served with a generous side of thin, crispy fries. The menu also has a list of shareable plates for lighter appetites, including fried calamari with a lemon yogurt sauce ($14) or pizza with tomato, basil and mozzarella ($16) - which were plenty for two. There are also salads, soups, entrees and desserts.

Bonus: Self-parking isn't an option - buff young valets do the deed for you.